Our take on the latest developments.
The EU fined Apple €500M and Meta €200M under the Digital Markets Act, giving them 60 days to comply. But from a consumer perspective, are we celebrating real benefits - or are we celebrating “showing it to them”?
As US-EU trade tensions rise, digital policy is still missing from the EU’s trade negotiation agenda. With global demand for cutting-edge digital services growing, real potential exists—if experts, businesses, and policymakers align on rules, standards, and shared priorities.
Radio signals hijacked, pilots losing navigation, ships drifting off course - for many European nations, these scenarios are no longer far-fetched but pressing realities. Last year, Lithuania noticed a staggering 60% jump in GPS interference, which set off alarm bells across the continent.
Yesterday, EU Commissioner Michael McGrath announced that the upcoming Omnibus Simplification Initiative will also include the GDPR. While the core issues with the GDPR are unlikely to be addressed, the EU should consider expanding the discussion to better support European innovators.
The EU Commission unveiled the E-Commerce Toolbox, proposing Customs Union reform, removal of duty exemptions (<€150), stricter customs controls, and stronger consumer protections. By 2026, the Digital Fairness Act may offer restricting personalized ads, impacting both consumers and SMEs.
Elon Musk's position on AI regulation aligns more closely with the EU than with the general MAGA narrative. Time will tell whether this stance was principled and continues or whether it was aimed at certain industry players with whom Musk has had disagreements.
The Hungarians criticize foreign interference in Romanian elections via social media, likening Western platforms to CCP propaganda. This may result in stricter media controls ahead of its 2026 elections.
In this month’s EU Tech Loop wrap-up we dive into the EU's digital future: the EU Commission’s tech agenda, Digital Networks Act, Ukraine’s e-gov lessons, AI sandbox progress, BRICS digital sovereignty, EU red tape cuts, and EU-US tech ties.
With Commissioners-designate soon heading into European Parliament committee hearings and the entire College of Commissioners expected to be approved by early December, the EU tech industry—and consumers—are eagerly awaiting to see what comes next.
In times of war and geopolitical tensions, collaboration between the EU and the US on tech policy is more needed than ever. But despite several attempts to find a common line and more integrated technology trade, both sides struggle to come up with a coherent solution to their policy disputes.
EU's September was rich in tech and telco debates: the proposed Commissioners were revealed, Draghi published his competitiveness proposals, the Commission's consultation results on digital infrastructure needs were released.
On Thursday, September 5, 2024, within the framework of the Council of Europe, the AI Treaty, officially known as the “Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law”, will be signed in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Innovation and consumer-centric insights into the EU’s digital policies and initiatives
